Colusa County Family Court Records

Family law matters in Colusa County are handled by the Superior Court located in the city of Colusa. The court processes all types of family law cases including dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal support, and domestic violence restraining orders. Colusa is one of California's smaller counties, so court staff and resources are more limited than in larger urban counties. The court maintains an online search portal for basic case lookups, though full family law documents cannot be viewed remotely under California privacy rules. Visit the courthouse in person to access complete case files. Self-help services may be limited, but clerk staff can provide basic procedural information about filing requirements and court processes.

Colusa Superior Court

The Colusa County Superior Court is located at 547 Market Street in Colusa. This is the only courthouse in the county. All family law cases are filed and heard at this location. Call (530) 458-0598 for general information about court procedures and hours. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Confirm hours before visiting, as small county courts sometimes have reduced schedules.

Family law cases are heard by judges who also handle other case types. Calendar days for family law matters are scheduled periodically. When you file a motion or request for orders, the clerk assigns a hearing date based on the court's calendar. Arrive early for hearings to allow time for security screening and locating the correct courtroom. Bring valid photo identification when visiting the courthouse.

The court website at www.colusa.courts.ca.gov/divisions/family-law provides information about family law services and procedures. Forms are available through the California Courts website. Local forms may be available at the clerk's office. Staff can answer questions about filing procedures but cannot give legal advice about your case.

Case Search Portal

Colusa County provides an online case search portal. Access may be intermittent or limited for family law cases due to privacy restrictions. The portal typically allows searches by party name or case number when available. Basic case information like filing date and case status may appear in search results. California Rules of Court prohibit remote access to full family law documents. You can only see limited information online.

To view complete case files and filed documents, visit the courthouse in person. The clerk's office maintains all case files. Bring the case number if you have it. This helps staff locate the file quickly. Some older cases may be archived off-site. Ask the clerk about retrieval times if you need records from closed cases that are several years old.

Copy fees are 50 cents per page. Certified copies cost an additional $40 per document. The clerk's office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for copy fees. Ask about payment methods before requesting copies to ensure you have the correct form of payment.

Filing Family Law Cases

To start a family law case in Colusa County, complete the required California Judicial Council forms. Divorce cases require form FL-100 (Petition for Dissolution of Marriage) plus summons, financial disclosures, and other documents depending on your situation. Download forms from www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm. You can also request printed forms from the clerk's office.

Bring completed forms to the clerk's office at 547 Market Street. File the original and bring at least two copies. The clerk files the original and stamps your copies. The filing fee is $435 for the first document. If you cannot afford the fee, file form FW-001 to request a fee waiver. Include proof of income such as pay stubs or benefit statements. The court reviews fee waiver applications and approves or denies them based on financial need.

After filing, you must serve the other party with copies of all filed documents. You cannot serve papers yourself. Use a process server, the sheriff, or registered mail. The person who completes service fills out a proof of service form. File this proof with the court. Your case cannot move forward until service is complete and proof is filed. Service fees typically range from $50 to $150.

Subsequent filings during the case may require additional fees. Motions cost $60 to file. Some documents like income and expense declarations have no filing fee. Ask the clerk about fees for specific filings if you are unsure.

Getting Legal Help

Colusa County does not have a dedicated family law self-help center. The clerk's office can answer basic procedural questions about filing and court rules. They cannot give legal advice or help you complete forms. For legal assistance, contact Legal Services of Northern California. Their phone number is (916) 551-2150. They provide free legal aid to eligible low-income residents in family law matters. Intake staff ask about your income and case to determine if you qualify.

Legal Services of Northern California serves multiple rural counties including Colusa. Services include legal advice, brief services, and representation in some cases. Priority goes to cases involving domestic violence or urgent child safety issues. Wait times for services vary depending on demand and available staff. They may be able to provide limited help even if you do not qualify for full representation.

Private attorneys who practice family law may be limited in Colusa County due to its small size. You may need to hire an attorney from a nearby county. Some attorneys in Yuba City, Woodland, or other nearby areas may accept Colusa County cases. Ask about travel fees and whether the attorney is familiar with Colusa County procedures and judges. The State Bar of California lawyer referral service at 1-866-442-2529 can help you find attorneys who practice in rural areas.

Court Fees and Costs

Filing fees follow state guidelines. The first paper costs $435. Motions cost $60. Copy fees are 50 cents per page. Certification adds $40. Service fees depend on the method used. Process servers charge $50 to $150 typically. The sheriff may charge less but takes longer. Fee waivers cover court filing fees but not service or attorney costs.

If you receive a fee waiver, you still must pay for service unless the sheriff waives that fee separately. Some counties waive sheriff service fees for people with court fee waivers. Ask the sheriff's office about their policy. Budget for service costs even if you qualify for a court fee waiver.

Nearby Counties

Colusa County borders several other counties. Confirm which county has jurisdiction if you live near a border.